Alcohol Use

It is important to know there is no safe amount, safe time or safe kind of alcohol that you can have during pregnancy.

If you are thinking about getting pregnant or you are having unprotected sex, now is the best time to quit drinking alcohol. This is to ensure the baby is not exposed to alcohol before you may even realize you are pregnant. Heavy use of alcohol has also been shown to affect fertility by reducing the function of the ovaries and production of sperm.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to the baby having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which has a long term impact on the brain. Although each individual with FASD is unique, they all have different degrees of challenges and most will need lifelong support for their activities of daily living. Depending on the amount and the timing of alcohol exposure, some babies may also develop certain facial features and some will have problems with their growth.

If you are having difficulty quitting alcohol, reduce your alcohol consumption the best that you can, and speak to your health care provider who can support and guide you to the most appropriate services.

Learn more about how to adjust your drinking habits, and the possible consequences of alcohol use in pregnancy, from the links below.

• Best Start by Health Nexus - Mocktails recipe cards for mom

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• Pregnancy Info - Substance use in pregnancy

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• FASD Ontario – FAQs about FASD

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• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of Expertise – What is FASD?

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• CanFASD Health Network - What is FASD?

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• CanFASD Health Network - FASD Basic Information and Fact Sheet

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• Anishnawbe Health Toronto - FASD Prevention Program

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• Mothercraft – Breaking the Cycle (early identification and prevention program)